Analysis

The 1989 IndyCar event at Pocono Raceway became a defining one for the series and some of its legendary participants. Here’s a further look at that impact.

Danny Sullivan

Three weeks after his Pocono triumph, Sullivan earned another victory three weeks later at Road America. Sullivan would move on to Patrick Racing in 1991 and Galles Kraco for 1992-93.

Following a brief 1994 retirement, the 1985 Indianapolis 500 winner joined PacWest Racing for the 1995 season.

His season and career would be cut short due to injuries in a crash at Michigan that year.

Rick Mears

One of the most prolific oval-track drivers in series history, Mears earned two more 500-mile race wins in 1991, including a record-tying fourth Indianapolis 500. After battling food injuries in 1992, Mears retired. He remains an integral part of Team Penske, including as a spotter.

Emerson Fittipaldi

Fittipaldi held on to the points lead and bested Mears by 10 points for the championship. A year later, he joined Mears and Sullivan at Penske. In 1993, he earned a second Indianapolis 500 victory.

For 1996, Fittipaldi would pilot the Penske-Hogan team’s car. A crash in the July race at Michigan severely injured his legs and ended Fittipaldi’s driving career.

Pocono Raceway

The 1989 event at Pocono Raceway would ultimately be the last held at the Long Pond venue. Disputes between the track and CART over its safety led to Pocono being removed from the schedule.

Following a change in track management, the aptly-named “Tricky Triangle” would host IndyCar again in 2013.

The following year, the race distance increased to 500 miles, marking the first 500-mile “Triple Crown” since 1989.